The cytomorphology of pleuropulmonary blastoma

Cytomorphologic and immunocytochemical characterization of pediatric pleuropulmonary blastoma with a comprehensive review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare, aggressive, primary intrathoracic malignancy typically seen in infancy and early childhood. Accurate distinction from congenital cystic lung lesions is crucial due to significant prognostic and therapeutic differences. Cytologic features have rarely been described. Establishing a cytodiagnosis is challenging owing to its rarity, lack of awareness, and multiple morphologic mimics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study conducted over 8 years. The histopathology and cytopathology databases were searched for all pediatric PPB cases. The corresponding cytologic samples were reviewed to identify characteristic features that can help distinguish PPB from its mimics.

RESULTS

There was a total of six cases of pediatric PPB reported during the study period. Of these, four (66.7%) presented as intrathoracic, and two (33.3%) as pleural-based masses. Cytology smears showed discretely scattered and perivascular arrangements of round-oval tumor cells with background eosinophilic stromal material. The tumor cells were mildly pleomorphic (n = 3) with round nuclei, fine chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli, and scanty cytoplasm; however, three cases showed marked anaplasia, and one each showed necrosis and rhabdoid differentiation. On immunocytochemistry (4/6), these were positive for vimentin and desmin and negative for WT1, chromogranin, SALL4, cytokeratin, CD45, and CD99. FISH (1/6) did not show N-Myc amplification.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the characteristic cytomorphological and immunocytochemical features of PPB is vital to establish a prompt and accurate cytodiagnosis with appropriate clinicoradiologic correlation.

Rapid purification of lung cancer cells in pleural effusion through spiral microfluidic channels for diagnosis improvement

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Fifteen percent of lung cancer patients will present with malignant pleural effusion initially, and up to 50% will have malignant pleural effusion throughout the course of the disease. In this study, we developed a spiral microfluidic device that can rapidly isolate cancer cells and improve their purity through fluid dynamics. This label-free, high-throughput device continuously isolates cancer cells and other unrelated molecules from pleural effusion. Most of the background cells that affect interpretation are flushed to outlets 1 to 3, and cancer cells are hydrodynamically concentrated to outlet 4, with 90% of lung cancer cells flowing to this outlet. After processing, the purity of cancer cells identified in pleural effusion by CD45 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibodies in flow cytometry will be increased by 6 to 24 times. The microfluidic device presented here has the advantages of rapid processing and low cost, which are conducive to rapid and accurate clinical diagnosis.

Pleuropulmonary Blastoma Developing in a Case of Misinterpreted Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation: a Case Report

BACKGROUND

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a childhood malignancy known to be associated with congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM).

CASE REPORT

An 18 months boy presented with respiratory distress. Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed a large right-sided lung mass. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed sheets and clusters of small round to oval cells with scanty cytoplasm. The possibility of PPB was suggested. Trucut biopsy from the mass confirmed the diagnosis of PPB, of at least type II. The child had earlier been diagnosed as CPAM for which he had undergone lobectomy at six months, which on review was diagnosed as PPB I.

CONCLUSION

We describe the cytological and histological findings of a case of PPBII/III evolving from a PPB I originally thought to be a CPAM type IV. This supports the theory that PPB I may progress to a more aggressive type II with time, and highlights the importance of the adequately treating the PPB I to prevent this transformation.

Fine needle aspiration in intraocular metastasis from pleuropulmonary blastoma. A case report and a review of the literature

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare primitive intrathoracic malignant neoplasm that occurs almost exclusively in children and adolescents. PPB is classified into three types according to the presence of cystic and solid areas. We report a case of PPB with an intraocular metastasis diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA): 3-year-old female was treated for type II PPB by neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. Four years later, she presented with an intraocular lesion. To differentiate between metastasis or other malignancy, a transcleral FNA was performed and showed two cellular populations represented by roundish malignant cells and spindle-shaped cells. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and diode laser ablation. A year later, the patient had enucleation and rare residual cells were found on the histological specimen. Patient remains disease-free 66 months after the last surgical treatment. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:156-160. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Respiratory Tract and Mediastinum

Normal cytology, abnormal and atypical cells, non-cellular components, and infectious cell changes are largely described together with benign, malignant, and neuroendocrine lesions regarding exfoliative and aspiration cytology of the lung. A separate section broadly addresses diagnostic findings and differential diagnoses in bronchoalveolar washings.

The section ‘Fine needle aspiration biopsy of mediastinal disorders’ covers in particular biopsy techniques, accuracy of liquid-based cytology, and the complex lesions of the thymus gland. Cytodiagnostic algorithms of the major benign and malignant pulmonary and mediastinal lesions and their respective differential diagnoses are additionally presented in synoptic setups.

High therapeutic effectiveness of postoperative irinotecan chemotherapy in a typical case of radiographically and pathologically diagnosed pleuropulmonary blastoma

A 2-year 9-month-old girl with a large mass in the right chest underwent middle and inferior lobectomy, after which the mass was pathologically diagnosed as a pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB). The clinical, radiographic, and pathologic findings were typical. Three courses of postoperative chemotherapy with 2 different regimens were ineffective in preventing multiple metastases of the lung. We then instituted a protocol with irinotecan (CPT-11) and vincristine. After the third course of this protocol the metastases disappeared and there were no recurrences. PPB is a rare pediatric malignant tumor, and no adequate therapy has been defined. This is the only case reported to have been treated with vincristine/irinotecan therapy for the treatment of PPB.

Type I pleuropulmonary blastoma: pathology and biology study of 51 cases from the international pleuropulmonary blastoma registry

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a malignant neoplasm of the lung that presents in early childhood. The early form of the disease, cystic type I PPB, can be clinically and pathologically deceptive because of its resemblance to some developmental lung cysts. This study reviews 51 cases of type I PPB and 6 lung cysts from relatives of children with PPB. Type I PPB is a delicate multilocular cyst with variable numbers of primitive mesenchymal cells beneath a benign epithelial surface. Rhabdomyoblasts and cartilage nodules are seen in 49% and 40% of cases, respectively. Tumors in the youngest subset of patients, from birth to 2 months of age, are more uniform in composition and cellularity compared with those in older groups. Early tumors have a subtle transition between normal developing lung and tumor, showing bland interstitial mesenchymal cells uniformly expanding the alveolar septa. Presumed regressive changes including cyst wall necrosis are common. This phenomenon may explain the variable and sometimes sparse tumor cellularity seen in some type I PPBs. On a biologic level, this process supports the concept that not all type I PPBs are fated to progress to a type II or III PPB. Factors that control the balance between progression and regression may be important in predicting tumor behavior and determining which patients will benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. In the meantime, recognition of this lesion as a neoplasm with malignant potential rather than a developmental cystic malformation is vital so the child can receive complete excision and appropriate follow-up care.

Type I pleuropulmonary blastoma: a report from the International Pleuropulmonary Blastoma Registry

PURPOSE

Type I pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare, cystic lung neoplasm in infants characterized by subtle malignant changes and a good prognosis. Recurrences after type I PPB are usually advanced type II or type III neoplasms with a poor prognosis. This article describes the first collection of type I PPB cases, analyzes outcome based on treatments of surgery or surgery plus chemotherapy, and presents type I PPB management recommendations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Type I PPB cases from the International PPB Registry and literature were evaluated using standard statistical methods for outcomes based on age at diagnosis, sex, thoracic side, surgical extent, length of follow-up, constitutional/familial disease, pre-existing lung cysts, intrathoracic findings, and treatments (surgery or surgery and chemotherapy).

RESULTS

Thirty-eight type I PPB cases were identified: Registry (n = 30) and literature (n = 8). Twenty children had surgery alone; eight (40%) experienced recurrence; and four died. Eighteen children had surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy; one experienced recurrence and died. All recurrences were type II or III PPB. Recurrence-free survival was higher in the surgery + chemotherapy group (P = .01); overall survival did not differ (P = .18). The improved recurrence-free survival was found only in males. Four of nine children with recurrence survived.

CONCLUSION

Adjuvant chemotherapy appears to benefit type I PPB patients. Benefit limited to males requires broader substantiation. Salvage after types II and III recurrence is poor (four of nine; 44%). A rigorous surveillance schedule after type I PPB diagnosis might detect early recurrence and be an acceptable alternative to adjuvant chemotherapy.

Transthoracic fine-needle aspiration biopsy of pulmonary spindle cell and mesenchymal lesions: a study of 61 cases

BACKGROUND

Spindle cell and mesenchymal lesions of the lung encompass a wide variety of benign and malignant conditions. However, to the authors' knowledge, because of their rarity, few reports concerning their cytologic findings are available in the literature. The current review emphasizes the cytomorphologic features, differential diagnosis, and potential pitfalls associated with these lesions.

METHODS

Seven hundred seventy-nine percutaneous lung fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens were retrieved from the authors' cytopathology files over a period of 5 years. Sixty-one cases (7.8%) in which a spindle cell component was the dominant or key feature were identified. The authors reviewed the cytologic smears, immunocytochemical studies, and corresponding surgical material and clinical information.

RESULTS

Of these 61 aspirates, 33 (54%) were reactive processes (31 granulomas, 1 organizing pneumonia, and 1 inflammatory pseudotumor). Five cases (0.8%) were benign neoplasms (2 hamartomas, 2 solitary fibrous tumors, and 1 schwannoma). Twenty-three cases (38%) were malignant neoplasms (8 cases were primary tumors [including 5 carcinomas with spindle cell or sarcomatoid features, 1 spindle cell carcinoid tumor, 1 leiomyosarcoma, and 1 synovial sarcoma] and 15 cases were secondary tumors [including 9 melanomas, 2 leiomyosarcomas, 1 malignant fibrous histiocytoma, 1 meningioma, 1 sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma, and 1 uterine malignant mixed müllerian tumor]). A specific diagnosis was rendered in 52 cases (85%). No false-positive cases were encountered but there was one false-negative case. One patient who was diagnosed with granulomatous inflammation on FNA was found to have nonsmall cell lung carcinoma on subsequent transbronchial biopsy. No malignant cells were identified in the smears on review. The FNA from the organizing pneumonia was interpreted as a solitary fibrous tumor whereas the inflammatory pseudotumor was diagnosed as granulomatous inflammation. The FNA from one pulmonary hamartoma initially was considered to be nondiagnostic. One solitary fibrous tumor and the schwannoma were diagnosed as smooth muscle tumor and spindle cell tumor, not otherwise specified, respectively. Among the malignant tumors, the primary synovial sarcoma and one of the metastatic malignant melanomas initially were interpreted as primitive neuroectodermal tumor/Ewing sarcoma and poorly differentiated carcinoma, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Spindle cell lesions of the lung rarely are encountered on transthoracic lung FNA and are comprised of a wide variety of benign and malignant entities. By correlating clinical and radiologic data, cytologic findings, and ancillary studies, a high diagnostic accuracy rate can be achieved with FNA.